*
banner

CD review: Black Dyke Gold — Volume VII

Prof Nicholas Childs & Darius Battiwalla
Featuring: Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus
Soloists: Richard Marshall; Zoe Hancock; Daniel Thomas
Doyen CD385

Dyke

star
Black Dyke’s ‘Gold’ series is the regularly serviced oil change that lubricates the engine of the Queensbury band’s commercial output; tried and tested to meet the expectations of a fan base that remains stoically resolute in its demand for music that readily engages rather than overtly educates their listening enjoyment.

However, the seemingly familiar allows Prof Childs to incrementally expand the repertoire palette - on this occasion with the inclusion of Kevin Norbury’s ‘Odyssey’ test-piece, a first recording of ‘Intrepid Overture’ by William Himes and Paul Mealor’s ethereal choral work, ‘Paradise’. 

Engaging balance

It makes for an engaging balance; the sugar coated nostalgia of The Beatles ‘Thingumybob’ and ringing humour of ‘Liberty Bell’ sitting on an easy-listening axel alongside the embracing Celtic warmth of ‘All Through the Night’ and the somewhat curiously cloned ‘Ol’ Man River’. The trio of featured soloists of Richard Marshall, Zoe Hancock and Daniel Thomas perform with high class poise and polish.

‘Odyssey’ is given a resolute performance (recorded soon after their imposing 2018 Yorkshire Area success) of drive and joyous triumphalism, whilst ‘Intrepid Overture’, premiered at Lincoln Cathedral in April 2018 is a wonderfully crafted work, full of passionate drama and purpose that never loses its exciting focus and sense of direction. 

What stands out however is Paul Mealor’s ‘Paradise’; a thought-provoking piece of writing that follows a pilgrim’s journey of spiritual endeavour through the crepuscular underworld of Dante’s inferno. 

Pilgrim's journey

What stands out however is Paul Mealor’s ‘Paradise’; a thought-provoking piece of writing that follows a pilgrim’s journey of spiritual endeavour through the crepuscular underworld of Dante’s inferno. 

The tribulations of stepping off the pathway in search of ‘the supreme light’ are all too clear to hear in the inky darkness; a cloying, enveloping blackness giving way to a vicious scherzo trial of faith before requiem salvation is reached. 

It gives the music a depth of crafted heft and musical integrity that leaves a lasting impression.  

Iwan Fox


Playlist:

To purchase: http://www.worldofbrass.com/100352-group.html

1. The Liberty Bell (Sousa arr. J. Ord Hume)
2. Odyssey (Kevin Norbury)
3. Ave Maria (J.S. Bach/Gounod arr. J.A. Greenwood)
4. Intrepid Overture (William Himes)
5. The Seal Lullaby (Eric Whitacre arr. Paul Sharman)
6. Thingumybob (Lennon & McCartney arr. Sandy Smith)
7. Ol' Man River (Jerome Kern arr. John Howarth)
8. Endearing Young Charms (Mantia arr. David Childs)
9. All Through the Night (Gordon Langford)
10. Paradise (Paul Mealor)
i. Darkness Visible
ii. The Scherzo of Darkness
iii. Chorale 'In Paradisum'

Support us for less than a cup of coffee...

4BR wants to ensure that the brass band movement remains vibrant and relevant. We also want to be able to question, challenge and critically examine those who run and play in it, producing high quality journalism that informs as well as entertains our readers.

So if like us you value a strong, independent perspective on the brass band world - then why not consider becoming a supporter and help make our future and that of a burgeoning brass band movement more secure.

So one less cappuccino then?

Support us    



Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Leicestershire Co-op Band

September 16 • Leicestershire Co-op Band currently have a vacancy for a SOLO HORN player to lead our team. We have an exciting programme of concert and contests for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. Could you be the player we are looking for to complete our team?


Dobcross Silver Band

September 16 • Currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026, we aim to add another PERCUSSIONIST to our award winning section. Dynamic all rounder preferred. You’ll love it here! Great rehearsals, gigs and socials!


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd